Maximus Air Cargo adds three to fleet

THE UAE’s largest cargo aircraft operator has bumped up its fleet to 11 following the acquisition of three Airbus A300-600 regional freighters from Japan Airlines.

Maximus Air Cargo spent AED350 million (US$93.3 million) including conversion costs on the aircraft, which each will offer 48 tonnes of payload capacity when they are introduced in July, September and November this year.

These aircraft are currently undergoing conversion from passenger to cargo configuration by specialist EADS EWS. Maximus’ growth of 16 per cent in 2010 enabled funds for the purchase and conversion.

“The arrival of these aircraft, which were built in 2000 and 2002 and are the youngest ever to be converted from passenger planes to freighters, comes at an exciting time in the company’s growth programme,” Maximus Air Cargo president and chief executive officer Fathi Hilal Buhazza (right) says. “They will provide strategic support for our ambitious expansion plans which strengthen our positioning as the Middle East’s largest all cargo operator with opportunities to serve the Middle East North Africa (MENA), Asia and European regions.”